Report from Kurrawa

1st January 1970

Club coach Vaughan Skiffington reports on Day 2 of the Aussie Titles under way at Kurrawa on the Gold Coast

Jared Pouwhare has progressed to the semis of the U19 men’s board event at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships currently under way at Kurrawa. And fellow club member Lauren Bailey, below, has reached the semis of the U17 women’s ski race.

Competitors have has to contend with a challenging one metre surf which is quite normal for Kurrawa. It’s not huge but it breaks heavy on the shore and on the bank if you’re unlucky. Yesterday, the opening day, we were faced with squally showers and blustery winds while today it was a bit better – no rain but windy during the afternoon’s competition.

Jared competed yesterday in the board heats, qualifying for the quarter finals. He also did well in the U19 Iron Man event, using it as a warm-up for the board quarter. His ninth placing in the Iron Man does not get him through to the next round. It’s a restricted event – he was the only Kiwi in it – and only state finalists can contest the event. He did very well in the board quarter, starting strongly and moving into fourth position around the course. He had a good paddle through the two breaks and finished sixth with some room for improvement. Nevertheless, he’s through to the semis which is a fine effort. He will have to race like a demon to reach the final and once there, anything can happen. But the competition is very tough. Jared's only other event is the U19 surf race in which he will need a wave or two. He races the board semi on Saturday.

Lauren Bailey competed today in the board event, placing fourth in her heat in challenging surf, however, she didn’t progress further. She races in the ski semi final on Thursday, wary of the surf, however with practice in timing the waves she’s getting better and better. It will come down to timing.